Report: Hawks' Hossa on ice for workout

October 02, 2012|By Chris Kuc | Tribune reporter

Marian Hossa is helped off the ice after sustaining a concussion last spring against the Coyotes. (Scott Strazzante/Tribune Photo)

In a time when very few positives are coming out of the NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks received some good news Tuesday when Marian Hossa reportedly took to the ice to continue his rehabilitation from a serious concussion.

According to CSNChicago.com, Hossa worked out with some Hawks coaches during an hour-long session on the ice. Hossa is able to work with team personnel--and will also be paid his salary--during the NHL lockout because he was not medically cleared to play when the lockout began Sept. 15. Other Hawks who will be paid until they are cleared include Daniel Carcillo (knee surgery) and Steve Montador (upper-body injury believed to be a concussion).

Hossa was injured during Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals in April after an illegal hit by the Coyotes' Raffi Torres. Hossa told the Tribune in July that he's concerned concussion symptoms might occur when he is able to absorb contact from other players during workouts or practices.

"Without the conctact I feel fine," Hossa said in July. "The next thing is going to be on the ice. I want to see how it is when the contract starts. A little push or shot from behind could be different than just biking."

The NHL lockout gives Hossa more time to recover and with no agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement in sight, it could be some time until the season begins--if at all.